Pitch Analysis in Pulp Slurry Using Fluorescence Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quantifying pitch in pulp slurries are inaccurate due to interference from foreign materials and unstable pitch states, making it difficult to detect coarse pitch effectively, especially when using fluorescence-based methods or fiber classification analysis.
Innovation Solution
An image analysis method using a fluorescence microscope with hydrophobic dye to selectively dye pitch in the slurry, followed by image processing steps like conversion to grayscale, binarization, removal of noise, and statistical analysis to quantify pitch and measure particle size distribution without filtration, allowing for precise identification of coarse pitch locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fluorescence-based quantification method is used, then pitch mass concentration can be measured, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from foreign materials and unstable pitch states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pitch particles from the complex pulp slurry matrix by using fluorescent labeling combined with image analysis. Instead of measuring bulk fluorescence which is affected by foreign materials, the method individually identifies and quantifies fluorescently-labeled pitch particles through image processing, separating the measurement from interfering substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fluorescent dyes that bind to pitch particles, causing them to emit specific wavelengths of light when excited. This color/fluorescence change allows selective identification and quantification of pitch particles against the background of non-fluorescent foreign materials in the pulp slurry, significantly improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional filtration and transcription method is used, then pitch particles can be collected for analysis, but analysis time increases and pitch state changes during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent labeling to pitch particles in the pulp slurry before any separation or analysis steps. This preliminary fluorescent tagging allows direct observation and quantification of pitch particles in their native state within the slurry, eliminating the need for time-consuming filtration, transcription, and mounting procedures that can alter pitch morphology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration and transcription system with an optical detection system. Instead of physically separating and mounting pitch particles on filters or slides, the method uses fluorescence microscopy and image analysis to detect and quantify pitch particles directly in the liquid slurry, dramatically reducing analysis time and preserving pitch state.
3Measurement precision
If fiber classification analysis apparatus is used, then pitch can be separated from fibers, but device complexity increases and coarse pitch detection remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluorescence microscope, which is a common and relatively simple instrument, to perform multiple functions: identifying pitch particles, quantifying their concentration, measuring their size distribution, and detecting their spatial distribution. This single instrument replaces complex specialized apparatus while achieving superior detection capabilities for coarse pitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent labeling approach enables the pitch particles to be visually distinguished from all other components in the pulp slurry based on their fluorescence signal. This optical contrast mechanism is simpler and more effective than mechanical separation methods, allowing easy identification and quantification of pitch particles of all sizes including coarse pitch.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables prompt and accurate quantification of pitch in water, allowing for effective addition of pitch controlling agents to prevent pitch-related issues in paper making processes by identifying and addressing coarse pitch distribution points.
Implementation Method 1
a pulp slurry including a pitch that is dyed with a hydrophobic fluorescent dye added into a pulp slurry is observed with a fluorescence microscope
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophobic fluorescent dye added into a pulp slurry
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are: a pitch analysis method wherein a pitch in water can be quantified not only promptly and conveniently but also more accurately in accordance with the particle size thereof; and a pitch processing method wherein a pitch controlling agent is effectively added in a paper making process. The present invention relates to a pitch analysis method, wherein a pulp slurry including a pitch that is dyed with a fluorescent dye added into a pulp slurry is observed with a fluorescence microscope to obtain an observation image; the observation image thus obtained is subjected to an image analysis by using an image analysis software; and by way of this image analysis, quantification of the pitch and measurement of a particle size distribution of the pitch are carried out, wherein the image analysis comprises following (1) to (4) processes to be carried out in this sequence: (1) a conversion process to convert a color image to a gray scale image; (2) a binarization process to binarize the gray scale image into white and black after removing noises in the gray scale image; (3) a removal process to remove regions of particle portions with an aspect ratio of 0.2 or less in a white region of an image after the binarization process; and (4) a statistical process in which an area of each particle in the white region of the image after the removal process is measured, and then, particle size distribution of each area fraction is obtained.